Nagaland CM bats for NE tourist circuit

Kohima, November 21 (MExN): The Chief Minister of Nagaland, TR Zeliang today called for creation of a Tourist Circuit for North-East (NE) India with the objective of connecting each Festival of the 8 States in the region. He was speaking at the inaugural event of ‘North East Development Summit’ in Imphal on November 21.  

Zeliang told the summit that he had highlighted the importance of creating a Tourist Circuit during his interaction with the Chief Minister of Assam and Manipur, informed a press release from Media Cell, CMO Nagaland.  

Despite the geographical remoteness, poor infrastructure and challenges posed by insurgency, the Chief Minister said that he pin his hope on the young and enterprising youth of the region, it said.  

The CM pointed out that “All it requires is the right policy, mixed with a blend of incentives for promoting investment and industrial growth in the North Eastern States.”  

The release further informed that Zeliang batted for building economic linkages with the East Asian countries as way toward achieving not only economic transformation but also to address the “challenges of insurgency and feeling of alienation” of the region.  

Stating that NE is a gateway to ASEAN Nations, the CM also expressed confidence that India’s Act East Policy, in which NE is a natural partner, has great potential to strengthen the economy of the North Eastern region (NER), the CMO release said.  

Terming the three C’s - Commerce, Connectivity and Culture as important components that could play major role in transforming the NER, Zeliang also called for urgent development of road and air connectivity in the region, it added.   “I urge the Government of India to be indulgent to our proposals.”  

He further noted that three states - Manipur, Assam and Nagaland are vital to gain access to South-East Asian Countries and called upon experts and investors to contribute in transforming this dream into a reality, the release said.  

Extending Sangai greetings on behalf of the people of Nagaland, Zeliang also invited all the delegates present at the summit to visit Nagaland for the Hornbill Festival from December 1-10, it added.  

Apart from connectivity, the NE Development Summit also discussed Trade & Investment, Infrastructure Development, Tourism, Skill Development, Capacity Building and Entrepreneurship.